Do you have to have car INSURANCE before you CAN GET YOUR learners permit?

No. One has nothing to do with the other. You will have to have insurance on the vehicle before you drive it. You will also have to be aware of your state's requirements limiting how you can drive with a learner's permit. The insurance is normally on the vehicle and not the person so whoever owns the vehicle must have the insurance with you and anyone else who drives listed as drivers on the policy. Insurance laws vary among different states so be aware of the insurance requirements in your state. As a matter of full disclosure, I own and operate a small Independent Insurance Company in Central Georgia and have for the past 22 years. Prior to that I worked as an agent for a direct writer of insurance for 3 years.